Senate Approves 2025 Rivers State Budget Amid Emergency Administration

Abuja, Nigeria – On June 25, 2025, the Nigerian Senate passed the 2025 Appropriation Bill for Rivers State, approving a budget of ₦1.485 trillion for the oil-rich state. The approval comes at a critical time, as Rivers State operates under an emergency administration following the suspension amid impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The budget, which has sparked significant debate, reflects the state’s efforts to address pressing developmental and administrative challenges.

The 2025 Rivers State budget was initially proposed by the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, before the state’s political crisis escalated. However, the budget underwent significant revisions under the leadership of the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who was appointed to oversee the state’s affairs during the emergency period. The revised budget was presented to the National Assembly for approval, as required under the emergency governance framework.

The approved budget of ₦1.485 trillion is notably higher than the initial draft, with an upward revision of approximately ₦360 billion, bringing the total to ₦1.846 trillion in some estimates cited during deliberations. The additional funds were justified to accommodate critical priorities, including infrastructure development, shoreline protection, and peacebuilding initiatives aimed at fostering stability in the state.

Budget Highlights and Justifications

During the Senate’s plenary session, Vice Admiral Ibas defended the revised budget, emphasizing its alignment with the state’s immediate and long-term needs. Key areas of focus include:

• Infrastructure Development: A substantial portion of the budget has been allocated to road construction, urban renewal, and other capital projects aimed at improving connectivity and economic activity in Rivers State.
• Shoreline Protection: Given the state’s vulnerability to erosion and flooding, significant funds have been earmarked for shoreline protection projects to safeguard coastal communities and critical infrastructure.
• Peacebuilding Initiatives: In light of recent political tensions and unrest, the budget includes provisions for programs designed to promote reconciliation, community engagement, and social cohesion.

Ibas, addressing the Senate, underscored the importance of these allocations in ensuring sustainable development and stability in Rivers State. “The revised budget reflects the realities on the ground and prioritizes projects that will deliver tangible benefits to the people of Rivers State,” he stated.

Senate Deliberations and Approval

The Senate’s approval followed a thorough review of the budget proposal, with lawmakers commending the emergency administration’s efforts to address critical needs despite the state’s challenging political climate. Some senators, however, raised concerns about the significant upward revision, seeking clarification on the sources of additional funding and the feasibility of project implementation.

In response, Ibas assured the Senate that the budget was carefully crafted to align with available resources, including internally generated revenue, federal allocations, and potential partnerships. The Senate, satisfied with the explanations, passed the bill, paving the way for its implementation in 2025.

Political Context

The passage of the 2025 Rivers State budget comes against the backdrop of a protracted political crisis in the state. Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s suspension and the subsequent imposition of emergency administration have polarized stakeholders, with ongoing disputes over governance and resource control. The budget’s approval by the Senate is seen as a step toward stabilizing the state’s administrative framework, though analysts note that deeper political resolutions are needed to ensure long-term progress.

Implications for Rivers State

The approved budget is expected to drive critical development projects in Rivers State, a key economic hub in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region. With its focus on infrastructure, environmental protection, and peacebuilding, the budget aims to address both immediate challenges and structural issues that have hindered the state’s growth.

However, the success of the budget’s implementation will depend on the emergency administration’s ability to navigate the state’s complex political landscape and ensure transparent and efficient use of resources. Stakeholders, including civil society organizations and residents, have called for accountability mechanisms to monitor the execution of budgeted projects.

Conclusion

The Senate’s approval of the 2025 Rivers State budget marks a significant milestone in the state’s journey toward stability and development under emergency administration. While the budget reflects ambitious goals, its impact will hinge on effective governance and the resolution of underlying political tensions. As Rivers State prepares for the new fiscal year, all eyes will be on the Sole Administrator and relevant authorities to deliver on the promises embedded in the ₦1.485 trillion appropriation.